Thirty years after the original game defined survival horror, Capcom’s latest release, Resident Evil Requiem, aims to honor the series’ legacy while offering fresh thrills.
Director Koshi Nakanishi says balancing “familiarity and freshness” was a major challenge. He hopes the game “redefines survival horror in interesting new ways” while respecting the franchise’s core identity. Producer Masato Kumazawa adds that fear remains the series’ signature mood. “Fear is such a human emotion,” he explains, “and through entertainment, we channel it as a positive thrill.”
Resident Evil introduced tense gameplay with fixed camera angles, scarce ammo, and relentless zombies. Over the years, the franchise leaned into action, leaving some fans feeling the horror element was lost. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard marked a return to survival horror, but Requiem blends action elements again.
Players control two protagonists: the returning Leon S. Kennedy and a new character, FBI agent Grace Ashcroft. Leon revisits iconic locations like Raccoon City’s police station, while Grace provides a more vulnerable, tense gameplay style. Nakanishi explains that the dual protagonist approach allows exploration of character, story, and horror in contrasting ways.
The development team carefully fused old and new elements so Requiem feels both familiar and fresh. “It’s never possible to make something 100% original,” Nakanishi says, “but grounding it in what fans love ensures the experience feels authentic.” Kumazawa emphasizes that Requiem offers new content and approaches while honoring the franchise’s 30-year legacy.
Monique Alves, a Resident Evil fan content creator, notes that initial announcements of Requiem’s blend of survival horror and action made some fans cautious, fearing a repeat of the franchise’s 2012 shift in Resident Evil 6.
